Greek art

Stag_hunt_mosaic,_Pella

Daphni

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Theodora_by_Emmanouel_Tzanes_(1671,_Byzantine_museum)

Gyzis_006_(Ηistoria)

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Athena_column-Academy_of_Athens

Greek art refers to the visual arts produced in ancient Greece and the Greek-speaking world from about 1000 BCE to the end of the 1st century BCE. Greek art is characterized by its emphasis on naturalism, proportion, and the human figure. It has had a profound influence on the development of Western art.

Periods of Greek Art

Greek art is typically divided into several periods:

• Geometric period (c. 900-700 BCE)
• Archaic period (c. 700-480 BCE)
• Classical period (c. 480-323 BCE)
• Hellenistic period (c. 323-31 BCE)

Geometric Period

The Geometric period is named for the geometric motifs used in vase painting. This period saw the emergence of the Greek alphabet and the establishment of the polis or city-state.

Archaic Period

The Archaic period is marked by the development of large-scale sculpture and the construction of monumental architecture. The kouros and kore statues are iconic examples of Archaic sculpture.

Classical Period

The Classical period is considered the high point of Greek art. It is characterized by the development of naturalistic but idealized depictions of the human body. Notable works from this period include the Parthenon and the sculptures of Phidias.

Hellenistic Period

The Hellenistic period saw the expansion of Greek culture across the Mediterranean and into Asia following the conquests of Alexander the Great. Art from this period is more diverse and expressive, with a greater emphasis on realism and emotion.

Forms of Greek Art

Greek art encompasses a variety of forms, including:

• Sculpture
• Pottery
• Architecture
• Painting
• Mosaic

Sculpture

Greek sculpture is renowned for its depiction of the human form. Early Greek sculptures were rigid and stylized, but over time they became more naturalistic. Famous examples include the Venus de Milo and the Laocoön and His Sons.

Pottery

Greek pottery is known for its distinctive shapes and decorative motifs. Pottery was used for both practical and ceremonial purposes. The black-figure and red-figure techniques are notable styles of Greek vase painting.

Architecture

Greek architecture is characterized by its use of columns and symmetry. The three main orders of Greek architecture are the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. The Acropolis of Athens is a prime example of Greek architectural achievement.

Painting

While few examples of Greek painting survive, it is known that the Greeks painted on walls, panels, and pottery. Greek painters were skilled in the use of perspective and shading to create the illusion of depth.

Mosaic

Greek mosaics were made from small pieces of colored stone or glass. They were used to decorate floors and walls and often depicted scenes from mythology and daily life.

Influence of Greek Art

Greek art has had a lasting impact on the art and architecture of the Western world. The principles of Greek art were adopted and adapted by the Roman Empire, and they continue to influence artists and architects to this day.

Related Pages

• Ancient Greece
• Greek mythology
• Roman art
• Byzantine art
• Renaissance art